Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 10,662, Elijah Fenton, Conn.

SERVICE
born.
Fenton Elijah
NUMBER
S. 10,662
CONTENTS
carded.
[Blank lined area for notes]
[Blank lined area for notes]

20.615 New - York
Elijah Tenton
of Chenango in the State of New York who was a Private in the Comp commanded by Captain Hill of the Regt. commanded by Col. Sherman in the Coast line for 9 Mos.
Inscribed on the Roll of New York at the rate of 30 Dollars Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 25 day of Sep. 1833 and due to B. Miles circumstances
  Arrears to the 14th of Sep. 33  $ 75    Semi-ant. allowance ending 14 M 34  15     $90  
Revolutionary Claim, Act June 7, 1832. P. (C. Steele)
Recorded by Book E
Clerk, Vol. 4, Page 100.

Elizah Fenton - A Declaration for Pension
15922
affidavit this - tenth day of October in the year of our Lord, 1832 -
J. H. Pikes Clerk

Declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 -
State of New York
County of Chenango, S p . On this ninth day of October in
the year, 1832, personally appeared in open court, before John Tracy, Levi Digelow, Nathan Taylor, Charles York, George  Brish Pease - Judges of the court of common pleas, now sitting, at the courthouse, in Norwich in and for the county of Chenango aforesaid, being at the October term of the said court, Elijah Fenton , a resident of the town of Pitcher in said county of Chenango and State of New York, aged seventy years, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth, on his oath, make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7 th 1832 -
That he entered the service of the United States under the following named officers, and served as herein stated -
That he was born at Wellington, now in the county of Tolland, and State of Connecticut, in the year, 1762; that his birth is recorded there, as he believes - but he has no record of it -
That he was living, at Mansfield, in the State of Connecticut, as an apprentice, and was drafted, in July, 1779, on a tour of three months - entered the company of Capt. Nathaniel Hall - Lieut. Darrow - Ensign Rice, he thinks - He mustered with his said company, at said Mansfield, and marched to New-London, where he did duty, in said company, for said three months, and was then dismissed - There were other companies there, but forgets the names of their officers -
That he, in the month of May, 1781, enlisted for a class of men, belonging to the town of said Mansfield, in the State of Connecticut - he then resided in said Mansfield, in said State - He thus enlisted for one year, if wanted so long - he served ten months , and was dismissed - On thus enlisting, he mustered at Coventry, in said State, shortly after, and then went immediately to the army, which lay above Kingsbridge on the North River, and reported himself to Adjutant Benjamin , he thinks, who directed him to join Capt. Sill's company - Capt. Sill, left the company, in 2 weeks, perhaps, and I saw no trace of him at that place -

When he joined the army, as aforesaid, Gen. Washington was with it - saw him often - Count Rochambeau, was also there with his men - There two Generals, some time after, left with many of the forces for the south - after which, Gen. Heath commanded the remaining troops - Gen. Heath, moved the troops up to Green Pond - then to Fishkill, in a day or two - and, in a few days again to Gallows Hill, near by Fishkill, just changing the position -
That his company was attached to Brig. Col. Sherman's Regiment - the 1 st Connecticut line, and 1 st Brigade - We laying upon the right of the whole line - He thinks Gen. Parsons commanded the Brigade - Gen. Hart, commanded another Brigade; this was before Gen. Washington went to the south -
In a few days after getting to Fishkill, or Gallows Hill, he went, (being a soldier) with two companies of foot to Springfield, Mass., where after laying perhaps a week, a company of horse arrived from Boston with money - One two foot companies, with said horse company, convoyed this money to within a few miles of Philadelphia; when our two foot companies, (except a small guard which continued with the horse company, I think, to Philadelphia) returned to Gallows Hill again - Thinks the Capt. who went to Springfield as aforesaid in command of the foot, was of the name of Strong, or Frinstrong - He did not see him after his return to Gallows Hill - These two companies were detached from the line of the Brigade - Got back to Gallows Hill the latter part of October - At Brunswick, in New Jersey, in our return, heard of the Capture of Lord Cornwallis; the town was illuminated -
On his return to Gallows Hill as last above, he was sent to the quarters of Lord Sterling, in the neighborhood; there he again saw Capt. Hill, whom he had not before seen after leaving Kingsbridge - On his recommendation as he supposed, Lord Sterling took him as a waiter or Osler - His services were to take care of Lord Sterling's horses, and do such things as he directed -

That he did so - drove his carriage, went after provisions for him, and the like, until he was discharged - This was in March, 1782, having been in the service this town for ten months - He was discharged at or near Fishkill - Who signed it he does not remember - He thinks it was Col. Sterling or Col. Sherman - He has lost it - has not seen it since he has lived in the State of New York -
That he has no documentary proof of his services - and that he knows of no person, whose testimony he can procure to substantiate them, who was knowing to them -
last 3 questions
That he is known to Solomon Ensign Jr. & Theron Green, in his present neighborhood, who can testify in regard to his character for veracity, and as to their belief of his services as a soldier in the revolution -
3rd question
That after the revolutionary war, he resided in Wilington, his native town, in the State of Connecticut for about 10 years - and then he removed to Pitcher in the aforesaid county of Chenango, where he now resides, and has there ever since resided -
He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of the agency of any State -
Sworn to, and subscribed the day and year aforesaid — Elijah Fenton
L. W. Pikes, Clk
We Solomon Ensign Jr. — residing in the town of Pitcher in the county of Chenango aforesaid, and Theron Green — residing in the same place — hereby certify, that we are well acquainted with Elijah Fenton , who has subscribed and sworn to the above declaration; that we believe him to be seventy years of age; that he is respected and believed

in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution, and that we concur in that opinion - Sworn and subscribed the day Solomon Ensign Jr and year aforesaid - Theron Green J. H. Pike Clk.
And the said court do hereby declare their opinion, after the investigation of the matter, and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a soldier of the revolution and served as he states - And the court further certifies, that it appears to them that Solomon Ensign Jr. who has signed the preceding certificate is a resident in the town of Pitches aforesaid, and that Theron Green - who has also signed the same is a resident in the same place, and are credible persons and that their statement is entitled to credit.
M c Tracey Thos. Read Levi Bigelow Nathan Sayre } Judges
State of New York County of Chenango S c I, Jarvis H. Pike, Clerk of the court of common pleas in and for said county, do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Elijah Fenton for a pension - In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the said Clerk's office this tenth day of October in the year of our Lord, 1832 -
J. H. Pike Clk.
Elijah Fenton - P. Declaration for Pension 15922

15922
Elijah Fenton Chenango county New York
on rolls, bms
Admitted Private 9 months H. 12, 06 May 13 th 1833
P. 392
Barak Niles Cincinnatus New York

BRIEF in the case of  Elyah Fenton  of  Chenango county  in the State of  New-York  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 70  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days. As a     Drafted In 1779 3 Private Capt. Hall   Enlisted 1781 10 part of the time as waiter to Capt. Bell, Col. Sherman first Reg. Cont. Line first Brig. Lord Sterling  
 5. In what battles was he engaged?  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Willington, Connecticut  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? traditional  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? correct 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
J. E. Bradford. Examining Clerk.
Early Case

May 7, 1935
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
BA-J/REL Car Elijah Fenton-S.10662
Grace L. Jewett Superior Court House Salem, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
The data which follow were obtained from the papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, S.10662, based upon the military service of Elijah Fenton in that war.
Elijah Fenton was born in 1762, in Willington, in what was later Tolland County, Connecticut. The names of his parents are not shown.
While residing in Mansfield, Connecticut, Elijah Fenton enlisted July 1, 1779, served in Captain Nathaniel Hall's Company, Connecticut Troops, and was stationed at New London, length of service, three months; he enlisted in May, 1781, served in Captain Sill's Company, Colonel Sherman's Connecticut Regiment; in October following, was detached and served as waiter to Lord Sterling; he stated that he also took care of Lord Sterling's horses and drove his carriage until he was discharged in March, 1782, having served ten months.
After the Revolution, he resided in Willington, Connecticut, for about eighteen years, then moved to Pitcher, Chenango County, New York, where he was residing when he was allowed pension on his application executed October 9, 1832.
There are no data as to soldier's family.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.

City
Rev War
10662 INVALID.
File No. 10662
Elijah Fenton Priv Rev War
Act: June 7 th 1832
Index:—Vol. A , Page 123
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Nov. 26, 1895 Mil. histy to Geo. F. Swan New York City
June 5, 1906 Ad. Intension for date of death. V. 2. p. 10. 1835 - May 7. Visit to Greta L. Idervatt. E. & C. Letter in case of Joseph Medbury. E. & C. S. 13916

State of New York County of Chenango ss. Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the peace of the town of Pitcher in said county, Elijah Fenton , who being duly sworn, deponeth and saith, that the reason of his not obtaining the evidence of a clergyman as to the belief of such clergyman, respecting the age, & the general belief in the neighborhood of the said Fenton, relative to his revolutionary service, was, that there was no clergyman in his neighborhood or vicinity with whom he had to his recollection ever conversed in relation to the same - The Rev. John Lawton, an aged and infirm man, resided in said Pitcher, but said Fenton, having never conversed with him about such service, supposed he probably knew nothing about it - and it would also have been very difficult to have procured his attendance at court, owing to his age and infirmity, in the opinion of deponent, if he had possessed the necessary knowledge - Said Fenton, also, believed that the evidence of two respectable citizens, with whom he was intimately acquainted, & who were therefore, in the opinion of said Fenton, more conversant with the story of his said services, would be more satisfactory to those for whose hearing it was intended - He therefore procured such citizens. The two citizens, whom said Fenton, did procure, were, the Supervisor, and the Town Clerk of said town of Pitcher - And further saith not - Elijah Fenton Sworn to, and subscribed before me the undersigned, this 25 th day of May in the year, 1833 - And I the said Justice,

do certify that I am well acquainted with said Elijah Fenton, and that he is a person of truth and veracity. I also add, that I, the said justice, saw the same Solomon Ensign Jr., who testified in the court of common pleas, with Theron Green, the other wit- ness, at the time of said Fenton, making his declara- tion in court in October last, in regard to my belief of his age and the general belief in said Fenton's neighborhood as to his revolutionary services. I will also add that I have no doubt of his statement in regard to the same is true, and I feel certain it is the general belief in his neighborhood —
Solomon Ensign, Jr. Justice of the Peace
County of Chenango ss
Personally appeared before me the undersigned, a justice of the Peace of the town of Litchfield in said county, Theron Green who being duly sworn, deponeth and saith that he is the same Theron Green referred to in the above certificate of Solomon Ensign Jr. — and that I am well acquaint- ed with said Elijah Fenton, and believe him to be a person of truth and veracity.
Subscribed and sworn Theron Green before me this 27th day of May 1838
Solomon Ensign Jr. Justice of the Peace

State of New York } ss. Francis H. Pike Clerk Chautauqua County } of the said County do Certify that Solomon Ensign before whom the preceding affidavit purport to have been sworn was at the date of the same one of the Justices of the peace in and for the said County. That I am acquainted with his hand writing and justly believe his name subscribed to the said affi- -davit to be his proper hand writing and signature —
Witness my hand and Seal of Office this 30 th day of May 1838 —
F. H. Pike Atty

Elijah Tinton
11. 12

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Elijah Fenton of Chemango county, N.Y. which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? yes VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service?
two citizens they do not certify to the applicant's credibility
XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it?
No — there are no reason given for not having the clergyman's testi.
XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? yes
XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service?
If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses?
Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct?
XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service?
XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes
XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered? all answered
EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words:
"Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shown under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
note QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

O. W. & N. Division.
P.S.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
Bureau of Pensions,
Washington, D. C., Nov. 26, 1895.
Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement of the military history of Elijah Fenton a soldier of the REVOLUTIONARY WAR, you will find below the desired information as contained in his (or his widow's) application for pension on file in this Bureau.
   DATE OF ENLISTMENT OR APPOINTMENT. LENGTH OF SERVICE. RANK. OFFICERS UNDER WHOM SERVICE WAS RENDERED. STATE.   CAPTAIN. COLONEL.      In July, 1779, he was drafted and served three months at New London, Conn., as a private soldier in Capt. Nathaniel Hall's Co.; May, 1781, again entered the service for a "class" of men belonging to Mansfield, Conn., where he then resided, and joined the company commanded by Capt. Sill, near Kingsbridge, N.Y., which company was attached to Col. Sherman's Connecticut regiment. In October following was detailed as a hostler to care for and drive the horses of Lord Sterling whose headquarters were then near Fishkill, N.Y.; continued in this capacity until March, 1782, when he was discharged.   
Battles engaged in,
None.
Residence of soldier at enlistment,
Mansfield, Conn.
Date of application for pension.
October 9, 1832.
Residence at date of application,
Pitcher, N.Y.
Age at date of application,
Born, Willington, Conn., in 1762.
Remarks: No record has been found of Curtis Beach and Jonathan Story as pensioners.
Mr. Geo. F. Swan, Very respectfully, 139 E. 28th. St., New York, N.Y.
Commissioner.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT,
Washington, June 9 th 1906.
The Commissioner of Pensions.
Sir: In reply to your letter of 5 th inst, in case of Elijah Fenton, Certificate Rev. War, Act, 32. Albany Agency, Roll, you are informed that, according to the latest account rendered by the U. S. Pension Agent, the records of this office show last payment to have been made at $15 per month to 4 March 1850, in March 1850. Date of death is unknown. Payment was made to Lewis Kingsley, Atty, for the pensioner.
Letter herewith returned.
Respectfully,
Robert S. Person,
Auditor.
By
Deputy Auditor.

O.W. and N. DIV
Division. Sur. File No. 10662 Elijah Fenton Rev. War
J. P. M. Ex'r.
Department of the Interior, BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
Washington, D. C., June 5, 1906
SIR:
For use in the above-entitled claim for pension, you are requested to furnish this Bureau with a report in the case of
Elijah Fenton pensioned under the Act of June 7, 1832 by certificate No. 20615, issued Sept. 25, 1833, New York Agency, showing date of last payment, to whom paid, and date of death of Elijah Fenton.
Very respectfully,
Up mch 1855 also Vrs I file 1844
V. Warrenton
Commissioner.
THE AUDITOR FOR THE INTERIOR DEPARTMENT,
Treasury Department.

May 7, 1935
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
BA-J/EEL
Greta L. Jewett Superior Court House Salem, Massachusetts
Dear Madam:
Reference is made to your letter in which you request information in regard to Elijah Fenton and Joseph Medbury, soldiers of the Revolutionary War who received pensions while residing in Chenango County, New York.
The records of these soldiers have been found and are furnished herewith.
Very truly yours
A. D. HILLER Executive Assistant to the Administrator.